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Pamukkale Travertines

A vast source of water heated by lava lies deep within the earth beneath Pamukkale.

A vast source of water heated by lava lies deep within the earth beneath Pamukkale. The heated water dissolves pure white calcium deposits and, carrying it to the earth's surface, bursts forth and runs down a steep hillside. Cooling in the open air, the calcium precipitates from the water, adheres to the soil, and forms white calcium "cascades" frozen in stone called travertines. These remarkable structures remain one of the region’s primary attractions and have attracted visitors since time immemorial.